制度 (zhìdù) — system, institution, rules

制度 (zhìdù)

制度 refers to an established system of rules, regulations, or institutional arrangements that govern behavior or operations within a society, organization, or domain.

Meanings

1. [noun] system, institution (of rules and regulations)
2. [noun] institutional arrangement, established practice or rule

Example Sentences

完善的社会保障制度是社会稳定的重要基础。 Wánshàn de shèhuì bǎozhàng zhìdù shì shèhuì wěndìng de zhòng yào jīchǔ. A sound social security system is an important foundation for social stability.

这所学校实行严格的考勤制度。 Zhè suǒ xuéxiào shíxíng yángé de kǎoqín zhìdù. This school implements a strict attendance system.

制度创新是推动社会进步的重要动力。 Zhìdù chuàngxīn shì tuīdòng shèhuì jìnbù de zhòng yào dònglì. Institutional innovation is an important driving force for social progress.

国家坚持和完善人民代表大会制度。 Guójiā jiānchí hé wánshàn rénmín dàibiǎo dàhuì zhìdù. The country upholds and improves the system of people's congresses.

没有健全的制度保障，改革很难取得持久成效。 Méiyǒu jiànquán de zhìdù bǎozhàng, gǎigé hěn nán qǔdé chíjiǔ chéngxiào. Without sound institutional guarantees, reforms can hardly achieve lasting results.

公司建立了一套完整的激励制度来留住人才。 Gōngsī jiànlì le yī tào wánzhěng de jīlì zhìdù lái liúzhù réncái. The company established a complete incentive system to retain talent.

Collocations

Usage Notes

制度 refers to the institutional rules and frameworks that structure behavior in formal settings. It is broader than 规定 (specific regulations) and more formal than 规则 (rules). 制度 often implies an established, authoritative system with social or legal backing. In Chinese political and academic discourse, 制度建设 (institutional building) and 制度改革 (institutional reform) are very common phrases.

At B2 level, understanding 制度 is essential for reading about governance, law, social policy, and organizational management.

Memory Hook

制 means to make or control, and 度 means a degree or measure -- 制度 is the controlled measure of society, the set of rules that measure and control how things are done.